An Alternative Form of Women's Political Representation:Netto, a Proactive Women's Party in Japan

Abstract

AbstractThis article examines a Japanese local party,Netto, as a new type of women's party. TheNettois defined as a “proactive women's party” to illustrate how it is different not only from conventional political parties but also from parties organized to promote feminist platforms. The JapaneseNettois a women-dominated party in which women constitute the majority of members and candidates, as well as party leadership. The party platform prioritizes practical women's interests such as safe food and child-rearing over women's labor or feminist issues. The gendered characteristics ofNettoappeal to middle-class housewives and mothers, facilitating the electoral success of the party in urban areas. The party's notable features, such as rotation of deputies, term limits, donation of deputy salary, and volunteerism, distinguishNettofrom conventional political parties. As such, the party provides an alternative model of political representation. TheNettoparty illustrates that not all women's parties use a feminist platform, but they still play an important role in changing male-dominated electoral politics.